Jenkins screamed, spiraling into a panic of his own making. He pulled his taser and jammed it directly into Sam's chest. Get on the ground, or you ride the lightning down. At the cafe table, the heavyset cartel contact heard the shouting. He looked over, saw a police officer grappling with two men, and instantly recognized the chaotic signs of a bust.
He grabbed the briefcase, shoved the envelope back at Penhaligan, and took off, sprinting toward the street. Penhaligan didn't hesitate. He bolted in the opposite direction, melting into the crowd of tourists. No! Jonathan yelled, watching 2 years of undercover work evaporate in front of his eyes.
Cole! Target is rabbiting. North exit, gray suit. We see him. Units are too far out.
He's getting into a cab. Damn it, Paul. We lost the money. Cole's voice was furious, echoing painfully in Jonathan's earpiece. The realization that the operation was dead washed over Jonathan like ice water.
The cartel money was gone. The ledger was gone. And it was all because of a racist beat cop who couldn't leave well enough alone. A cold, dark fury settled in Jonathan's chest. On the ground!
Jenkins screamed again, spit flying from his lips as he shoved Sam hard against the back of the bench. Take it easy. We're complying, Sam gritted out, allowing Jenkins to force him chest first against the hot iron slats of the bench. Sam knew better than to fight a uniformed officer, even if the officer was dead wrong. Survival came first.
The truth would come out in about 2 minutes. Jenkins violently wrenched Sam's arms behind his back, the steel handcuffs biting viciously into Sam's wrists as Jenkins ratcheted them far tighter than legally allowed. Jonathan stood still, his hands raised in the air, his eyes burning holes into Jenkins. Your turn, Jenkins sneered, breathing heavily, high on adrenaline. He holstered his taser and drew his secondary pair of cuffs.
Turn around. Hands behind your back. Give me a reason to drop you. Come on. Officer Jenkins, Jonathan said, his voice terrifyingly calm, devoid of any fear.